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John Byrne

 

One of Queensland's most gifted and passionate tennis players passed away on 31 January 2008

 

VALE - JOHN BYRNE - 6.8.1941—31.1.2008
 

John Byrne at the Australian Seniors Championships, Perth 2007

John was born in Brisbane and attended Nundah Primary School where he was selected to represent tennis in the annual interstate competition against New South Wales. This was a huge honour but maybe not all that surprising as his Dad was a fine player. John’s early introduction to tennis led to a lifetime of passion for the game and many successes. He was a member of the 1st IV at Church of England Grammar School for three years and captain in 1959. He also won many titles throughout his career but the highlights were probably being ranked 10 in Queensland in 1968 and holding match point against Australian Davis Cup player Dick Crealy in the Queensland Open Grasscourt Championship. On matriculating from Churchie in 1959, John commenced working full-time and undertook Accountancy studies at University of Queensland part-time at night, completing them in 1966. In 1963 John commenced work at Payen, Byrne & Blackford the company started by his father during the war. Unlike the sons of some well-known media magnates, he actually worked his way through many positions before becoming General Manager on his Dad’s retirement in 1976. He held this position until 1985 when he resigned following the takeover of the company.

 

John seized the opportunity to establish his tennis coaching academy successfully merging his passion for the game and his business skills. John always believed that sport is a great guide to a successful lifestyle and it was an attitude he carried into his coaching business when he left the corporate world.

 

Coaching for him wasn’t just about teaching a child how to hit a tennis ball, it was also a philosophy of life and a lesson in psychology. It was very much about building character that would last a lifetime. The tennis academy that he ran operated at over 20 schools and at four tennis centres at one time or another. He would have taught in excess of 10,000 students during his 22 years as coach—no mean feat of patience. He coached a number of successful players, some who made it into the professional ranks.

John and Wife, Barbara were married in 1979 and John found himself father to two teenage daughters. It became obvious that Barbara possessed the same great generosity of spirit as John which enabled them to form a most successful blended family. To this family was added a son, Christopher who shared with us some anecdotes of life with his father. John was loved and respected deeply by his family and was the first they would turn to for advice, help or comfort. Tolerance and respect were important family values and these qualities blended beautifully with the innate characteristics of an outgoing personality, generosity of spirit and the ability to laugh readily, often at himself.

We say farewell to John Byrne and let us remember him as a GOOD MAN who was a man of passion, determination and courage who lived life to the full—a man who earned respect in all walks of life and a great friend to many. He will be greatly missed by the tennis community. As an active member of a range of tennis associations, he contributed with positive impact at many different levels. Ian Ruffles also shared his memories of his cousin John with us and quoted these words of proverbs, “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names.” John Byrne’s name will be forever carried in the hearts and minds of all those who knew him.

My thanks to Christopher for providing the information on his father’s life. He is to be commended for presenting a beautiful eulogy to his father, not an easy task under the circumstances.

This is a brief outline of a remarkable life and we thank Christopher & other members of John’s family for sharing many happy memories with those of us privileged to have known him.

Coral Vickers

29 February 2008